The Lakers' Gamble and the Fallout: Analyzing the Dan Hurley Rejection
LOS ANGELES -- The Lakers lost Dan Hurley on Monday.
The Lakers seemed to have lost more than just a prospective coach; they have lost a sense of direction. Hurley turned down their six-year, $70 million offer, and while this isn't a shock, it does raise significant questions about the future of the storied franchise.
The Unsuccessful Pursuit of Hurley
Dan Hurley, who has the opportunity to chase a third straight NCAA championship, would have been a gamble for the Lakers. Making a move for a college coach with no NBA experience is always a risk, particularly when the roster includes an iconic player like LeBron James. LeBron has exacting standards and a particular view of how teams should operate. He prefers to be a partner with his head coach rather than a subordinate, making it difficult to see how a hard-charging, college-level leader like Hurley would fit in.
The Lakers' leadership does not seem to know what they're doing or whom they'd like to become. The public manner in which Hurley turned down their offer makes the Lakers look small and amateurish. It's puzzling why they would put themselves out there for a college coach who evidently didn't want the job.
The High Stakes of Coaching LeBron
LeBron James holds substantial sway within any team he plays for, and his presence in the Lakers amplifies the stakes of this coaching hire. The Lakers cannot afford for LeBron to decide to go somewhere else, and he might have a firm say in who gets the head coaching gig. While LeBron and the new coach might push for a star in a trade, any plan must be well thought out and not an unintended consequence of being embarrassed by Hurley’s rejection.
Potential Alternatives: Redick and Borrego
JJ Redick, who seemingly was ready to confirm his coaching gig, must feel stung by this episode. Having to go on national TV and pretend he hadn’t been rejected for someone else must have been challenging. Additionally, James Borrego has been left in a strange limbo over the past few days, watching from the sidelines as the Lakers’ pursuit of Hurley unfolded.
Redick and Hurley represent vastly different approaches for the Lakers. Hurley would have been an investment in a longer game, potentially focusing on a post-LeBron reality and building a youthful team around future first-round picks. Redick, on the other hand, would signal a focus on LeBron's waning years, probably trading picks for a star player to compete in the short term. These differences mark very different visions, and the Lakers' leadership must choose wisely.
The Fallout and Future Steps
Being turned down publicly is one thing; being the Lakers and turned down by a college coach is another. The failed pursuit of Hurley essentially broadcasted to other candidates the vulnerability and lack of a coherent plan within the Lakers' leadership. Scouts and front-office personnel might be impressed with the tactical level of UConn's teams, but translating college success to the NBA is far from guaranteed. While past success in college doesn't always predict future success in the NBA, the Lakers must be cautious in their next steps.
The Lakers' approach to hiring an NBA head coach seems almost casual, like scrolling through Netflix. This slipshod approach is not the way to run a successful NBA organization, and there are tangible consequences. Hurley turning down the Lakers makes it hard to find a winning candidate, creating an environment where the franchise's stability is further questioned. This scenario already strains the team’s relationship with LeBron, who might have more influence in the coaching decision than initially anticipated.
The biggest surprise is not the failure to land Hurley, but the team failing to have a real plan. A clear vision and strategy to build a winning future are essential, and right now, the Lakers appear to be lacking both. Whether the Lakers will manage to recover from this high-profile rejection and realign themselves with a more structured vision remains to be seen.
Conclusion
"I can do better." This quote reflects the sentiment that many fans and analysts have been voicing. For the Lakers, “doing better” means formulating a coherent plan, displaying genuine intent, and making thoughtful decisions as they move forward. The pressure is on for the Lakers to rectify their recent missteps and showcase the competence and professionalism expected of a franchise with their storied history.
Ultimately, the Lakers need to find a coach who aligns with both LeBron's standards and the future direction of the team. The urgency for a wise decision has never been greater, as the future of the franchise hangs in the balance.